How to put on weight?

[Beanz1]

I have Hashimoto’s and am following a strictly gluten free diet. I find it difficult to maintain my weight and am just under 8sts, with alternating diarrhoea and constipation. I’m 5’6 so I could do with gaining some weight. I saw a dietician for a while who diagnosed SIBO: I followed the treatment: supplements and v restricted diet and I went down to 7.5sts and felt pretty bad! Any suggestions on ways to gain weight would be welcome.

[Howard39]

Hi

If you’re gluten free and still have issues with your stomach etc it might be worth considering a comprehensive stool analysis test to ensure your stomach acid is not low or you have candida / high bacteria/ low probiotics levels.

A good fat like organic coconut oil/ advocado oil you can cook with and I add the later to my meals. I’ve had all the above and I am gluten and dairy free. My only restriction I have no are no sugar and I have improved. Could you manage a few nuts- Brazil’s and pecans.

For me I did have to take meds for a few months - betain hcl up my probiotics uva irsi for bacteria.

Some time later I had candida v badly so I cut out sugar and fruit and my specialist has my on flucozanole for a few weeks which helped.

There must be an underlying reason- diet and absorbtion the most important thing as you may not absorb vitamins thyroid meds and adrenals supplements ( if you need the later) All naturally must be at optimal levels.

Good luck

[Beanz1 in reply to Howard39]

Thank you, good idea to have the stool test and the Betaine hcl and I probably do eat too much sugar as I love chocolate!

[shaws Administrator]

Some do lose weight when going gluten-free but you should definitely not have:-

alternating diarrhoea and constipation

which needs to be investigated and ask GP to refer you to a gastroenterologist.

[Beanz1 in reply to shaws]

Yes, I’ve been referred and waiting to see a consultant, thanks

[U02ejp6]

I’ve just started my 17 month old daughter on Symprove probiotic. She is allergic to cows milk protein and egg. She has an intolerance to beta carotene containing foods and oats. Having read about Symprove on their website I’m hoping it helps heal her gut as I think this may be why she has these allergies.

It sounds like your gut is impaired too. Maybe have a read of their website and reviews.

Eating wise as Howard’s has said coconuts, avocados, nuts. Salmon is good too. All good fats.

[Beanz1 in reply to U02ejp6]

Thanks, will investigate Symprove.

[G2G2]

Dr. Michael Ruscio drruscio.com/ is the best for GI problems. His site has wonderful articles & interviews. He has a new book with great info.

[Beanz1 in reply to G2G2]

Thank you, I haven’t come across Dr Ruscio before, I’ll have a read.

[Hashi-hacker]

Hi Beanz1,

I use thepaleomom for AIP (auto-immune protocol) info and recipes on how to improve your gut health, and how to re-introduce food.

I recently had a couple of rounds of SIBO treatment, first two rounds of anti-microbial protocol then Rifaximin which has knocked it on the head. I had to persuade my GP to write me a private prescription for Rifaximin and it cost a fortune (about £550) but that seems to have sorted out my SIBO. I have Hashi's and have been working over Skype with a registered dietician over the last few years.

I've just started reading Dr Ruscio's book and my interpretation is that he is saying that there are common factors to all gut related problems so don't get too bogged down on the details, just go with the common approaches and over time they should take you in the right direction.

I would also endorse Symprove, it's what the Taymount Clinic approve of after FMT (fecal microbiota transplant).

Good luck

x

[Beanz1 in reply to Hashi-hacker]

Thank you, I’ll look at that site and am going to try Symprove. Will see if my GP could be persuaded to prescribe Rifaximin even if it’s expensive. I don’t fancy FMT though!

[Hashi-hacker]

FMT is a back up plan for those who maybe don't have any other choice (or have e.g. c-diff infections)! With respect to Symprove, it's a good prebiotic however, there's some thought that it's not worth taking prebiotics such as Symprove if you're doing SIBO treatment.

The Rifaximin I got was brand name Targaxan. I used a pubmed study to persuade my GP to let me try it but I can't find the exact study right now, sorry. My GP said I'd not get Rifaximin on the NHS as although it's a drug that is used, they don't recognise SIBO as such and wouldn't be allowed to prescribe it. Good luck!

x

[Beanz1]

Thank you, it’s so frustrating that the NHS are so narrow minded. I think Rifaximin is prescribed in the States for SIBO but I have read that herbal treatments are as effective. I tried following the diet protocol and took the herbal supplements but had to give up after a few months as I was wasting away! I just wish I could eat normally, but have found going gluten free has helped a little. Will see if my GP is in any way open to recognising SIBO, if not I have seen a holistic doctor who might be able to help. Thanks for your input.